Clothes are status signifiers, and no matter how restrained, they always give you subtle symbols of what your values are.
Rick OwensRead
There are mothers who sew for six months to make a fashion collection - someone's grandmother, someone's sister. We come in and get paid to walk for 10 minutes at the end. Whenever I think about that, I realise it's not about me. I was just the one chosen to represent those women and sell the clothes.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the hard work of women behind the scenes in fashion, highlighting the model's role as a representative rather than the center of attention.
Alek Wek's quote reflects on the often-overlooked contributions of countless women who dedicate significant time and effort to create fashion collections. By recognizing that the model serves merely as the representative of these skilled artisans, it underscores the collaborative nature of the fashion industry and reminds us that success is collective, not individual.
In practice
In a speech about diversity in fashion, this quote can help illustrate the importance of highlighting the creators behind the scenes.
Clothes are status signifiers, and no matter how restrained, they always give you subtle symbols of what your values are.
These are fat mummies sitting with their bags of crisps in front of the television, saying that thin models are ugly. Fashion is about dreams and illusions, and no one wants to see round women.
Many women have asked me if it is possible to have a well-built complete wardrobe on a limited budget. "Money," I tell them, "is no guarantee of taste and the fitness of things, and an overstuffed closet is often as bare as a skeleton when it comes to wearable apparel."
Don’t wear what you question, wear what you think is right for you.
As women, we all have certain weaknesses. I know one who can't resist pretty shoes but has nothing suitable to wear with them. Others adore frilly lingerie but never have any money to buy outer clothing.
I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.
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